Meet Mackinley!

 
 

the newest member of the team

The wait is over - I have officially completed the hiring process for my first intern and have chosen Mackinley! 

Mackinley grew up on the beautiful beaches of Southern California near San Diego. Although, she still frequently visits loved ones in the rolling hills of Montana and football-spirited Indiana. Mackinley’s eagerness to learn and travel has encouraged her to explore the world, visiting places such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, and all across America.

When Mackinley is not spending time with her family and friends, she can be found competitively running or volunteering with special needs children. On top of her honors and AP courses, Mackinley is involved with the Associated Student Body, Best Buddies Club, and American Sign Language, as well as editing the school’s newspaper. While coursework and organizations occupy Mackinley’s time, her love for all seasons keeps her outdoors year round - you can likely find her swimming at the beach! 

Mackinley first became interested in hospitality and event planning when she attended her cousin’s wedding. The aura of happiness charmed not only Mackinley, but also the guests as well. It was from that moment on that Mackinley knew she wanted to bring this magic to others. Mackinley is now fulfilling this dream with the exposure of event planning.

Make sure to check back soon to stay updated on our latest work!

Written by
Mackinley Sebahar

The Emergency Kit

to help you through the inevitable blood, sweat, and, of course, tears

The Emergency Kit. Mistakes happen, that is a given, but how one recovers from them could be the difference between a saved day or a night of despair. While most wedding planners provide their own emergency kits, I am publishing my own for those looking to create their own - be sure to scroll down to upload it!

Dress Repair

Paper cuts, ripped seams, or one too many glasses of red wine can lead a bride’s dress in misery. However, one would be surprised how far a simple sewing kit or piece of chalk can go. Simply draw over small blemishes on your dress with a bit a chalk to cover up minor stains. Wrinkle releaser spray may also come in handy for the groomsmen who do not properly pack their delicate dress shirts for the special day.

Hair & Make-Up

While most make-up artists carry these products, it is always better to include a few of these items to keep your looks going from sunrise to sunset. Especially if you are planning on scheduling a “First Look” with your photographer, your hair stylist will not be able to pin your veil before leaving for the day – so, be sure to pack a few bobby pins! It may also be useful to pack a nail kit, as manicures tend to chip off easily. Although, you best bet is to get shellac to guarantee the perfect look for your day.

Health & Hygiene

While this list is extensive, a blister band-aid could mean the difference between dancing to your favorite beat and sitting out with elder relatives. Also, it is crucial to pack a few straws for yourself and the bridesmaids to keep the color on your lips while to sip on the bubbly.

So, where does one find all these supplies to ensure their day is saved? First, download the checklist to the left to stay organize. Then, locate the closest Wal-Mart Superstore. However, do not be afraid to travel a few miles from home for your visit, as busier locations may be out of stock of your favorite products. In terms of make-up and/or nail kit supplies, make a stop to the dollar store to save a few bucks on products that may be pricier elsewhere: nail polish, tweezers, etc.  

Will you need every item in this kit? I surely hope not. But the extra $0.87 on one of these items is likely going to be worth the peace of mind alone. Also, this is a task that should not be left to last second, as these bags are not made overnight – I spent one hour alone configuring how I was going to fit all these items in a cosmetic travel kit. Be sure to inquire whether your planner will be providing one before you spend the time and money on it – just another reason why hiring a planner saves you stress and expenses towards the day! If your planner does provide you with a kit, keep in mind that it is for emergencies only. Of course, your planner will want you to utilize all the items you need from it, however, there will not likely be enough shampoo for all eight bridesmaids. 

Pointing All Calligraphy Needs Towards The Pointed Nib

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meet Jessica Park - a local calligrapher in the San Diego area

It was not long after settling into San Diego that I met the wonderful Jessica Park, owner and creator of The Pointed Nib. When imagining my new company logo, I envisioned a watercolor printing of my name that projected both elegance and artistry. So, naturally, I began researching various calligraphers. After stumbling upon Jessica's Instragram, I became enthralled by her work. The gentle strokes of her writing were both sophisticated and legible, characteristics I found crucial when determining who to hire.

Jessica was raised in Rancho Palos Verdes, a small suburb in the Los Angeles county, before moving to San Diego for her undergraduate studies. Since then, she become exposed to the world of calligraphy after attending classes through Twinkle and Toast. Her inspiration for her work comes from an eclectic mix of interests, including the outdoors, books, magazines (Darling magazine is her favorite!), and, of course, Instagram. As of now, her calligraphy services include hand lettering, whether it be on cardstock, wood, or, as in her most recent wedding, plates!

Within 24 hours, Jessica had responded to my inquiry. Once I described the color palette and ethereal look I was going for, Jessica scripted the first draft of my logo - I was immediately in awe! Not only did she capture the exact hue of purple I was going for, but she also scripted the thick, yet ethereal, look I desired. Not to mention, the gray wreath that wraps around my initials touched the artistry I was hoping for. Having my logo reflect both my personality and taste is paramount, as it serves as my first impression to potential clients. Now, I am excited to finally debut it!

While Jessica is mainly hand lettering now, she hopes to exercise her causal, yet fun, stylistic writing into the graphic design world. Expanding her talents in this way will help her expand into designing invitations, digital prints, and vector files for vinyl lettering. After working with Jessica on my personal logo, I have no doubt that she will accomplish this and more in the coming years. It is safe to say that I will point any client towards The Pointed Nib, should they be in need of a calligrapher :) . Be sure to check out her Etsy shop and Tumblr page as well!

Love Wins

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as well as small businesses

Love Wins! As you have witnessed and heard, The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of marriage equality, making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. This triumph, however, is not the only reason Americans are celebrating this weekend. Quartz recently published an article on how marriage equality is predicted to add $2.6 billion to the wedding industry alone.   

So, caterers, florists, planners, bands, photographers, and all others involved in the industry, clear your schedules for the added marriages coming your way! In Texas alone, researchers have estimated that an upwards of 23,200 same-sex couples will tie the knot in the next three years. Those involved in the wedding industry in New York alone reported double the business after the state's passage of same-sex marriage in 2011.

Therefore, love was not the only thing that won this weekend, but small businesses as well :) .

Something Wicked This Way Comes

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A goal of mine before leaving New York City this summer was to see a Broadway play. Having been a fan of musicals, I knew this would not be a drag for myself. However, finding someone to accompany me served as a greater challenge.

In order to get one of my siblings to bless me with their presence, I had to choose a musical loved by all – Wicked. Unfortunately, these tickets run up to $250 a piece, and even $110 for a nosebleed, but I was determined. If I could come up with two tickets for my younger sister’s birthday, the guilt would be great enough for her to come with me - it would not just be The Wizard and I seeing this show!

With only two weeks left in New York City and having only Mondays off from the hostess job I picked up, the pressure for buying these specific tickets were high. The day of the show, I stopped by the Gershwin Theatre ticket office to purchase two student rush tickets. The gentleman behind the counter, unfortunately, had Something Bad to say.

“We don’t have student rush my dear. We have a raffle open to the public for front row seats, two-hours before every show.”

OK, not a problem. “How many people show up?” I asked humbly.

“Well, we have twenty-six seats and each person is allowed to purchase two tickets, so thirteen names are pulled from a crowd of 200 people…” - this was definitely a Popular event for people to participate in.

“Those seem like terrible odds,” I responded woefully - No Good Deed ever happens to me.

“Well, you’re looking lucky today!” the Sentimental Man replied. Although, in the back of my mind, I knew Glinda’s bubble had popped for me – I'm Not that Girl who wins raffles, especially with those odds.

Regardless of the 6% chance, I walked back over to the theatre at 4:45pm to submit my name. Casually signing “Alexandra Bolhack, 2” and a <3 heart For Good luck, I handed the doorman my slip of paper and weaved back through the cramped crowd that had already assembled for the drawing.

At exactly 5:00pm, the doors closed. One by one names were drawn – people cheering after each name. But these cheers fooled did not fool me - No One Mourns the [Winners]. The limbs of my body all of a sudden felt like a noodle. "What is this Feeling?" is all I could think to myself.

“Alexandra Bolhack”

My eyes shot up. Dear Old Shiz, it couldn’t be. “That’s me! That’s me!” I barely whispered from shocked. I had defied the odds.

Half-panicking, half-numb, I stood in line amongst the twelve other luckiest people in the square with a smile unmatched, feeling as though I was Defying Gravity. The crowd from the drawing, unfortunately, looked as though they were the March of the Witch Hunters.

After paying $60 for the priceless tickets, I glanced down and thought, "As Long As You're Mine, I'll be the happiest girl in the world!" I clutched my bag to my chest – it was now the most precious thing I owned. It was crazy to think how my evening had changed in just One Short [Hour].

Luckily, Lauren was able to get off work early enough to grab a quick dinner before the show - Thank Goodness - wearing casual shorts and a t-shirt due to the unexpected change in her plans. Meanwhile, I could not sit still in my chair enough to eat my dinner.

Soon enough, it was time to head to our seats. Dancing Through [Broadway], we raced to the theatre. Because I did not purchase the seats in advance, I really had no idea if they were stage left, right, or obscure view. By passing all the rows to front, I saw two seats in the dead center of the stage still open – my heartbeat rising to the sudden realization. Sure enough, my sister and I scored the two center seats to the best musical on Broadway :) . It truly was a Wonderful night in Oz - the best Finale to a summer in the City.

In with the Old and Out with the New!

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It is time to break the traditional wedding guidelines and expose a timeless procession. Young ones are cute to feature down the isle, but why stress over it if no one in mind seems to be in the traditional age group?

New York Times recently featured an article about a bride and groom who asked their grandmothers to fill the special role as the flower girl. Other brides have even gone to the extent of asking their grandmothers to be a bridesmaid! Don't believe me? Watch this video featuring three grandmothers who served as bridesmaids in their granddaughter's wedding. Perhaps this idea is too out-of-the-box for some couples, however, the change age could be exactly what your wedding ceremony needs.

Personally, I think each ceremony should be unique to each pair. And, if that means your grandmother is going to be scattering petals down the isle, then so be it!

 

The Fab-Five Must-Haves

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easy ways to make your wedding unique

Below are a few fun ideas and products to add to any special day! Do not be afraid to break current traditions, as these risks will surely pay off. Keep in mind that any of these ideas can be altered to fit your taste.

5 things 11) Glass mason jars for water: Why waste hundreds of cups or plastic bottles when you can provide your guest with recyclable mason jars? Offering them at dinner with a pen so guests can easily write their names on them. Not only does this save the environment, but it also provides guests with a favor item to take home!

5 things 22) Instagram sign with #hashtag: Instagram has gathered well over 200 million users and can be easily connected to twitter, tumblr, and, most importantly, FaceBook. Providing guests with a unique hashtag name allows them to tag the photos of the wedding when they Instagram the beautiful memory. Not only are these photos easily assessable to view on the app itself, but they are also typically added to FaceBook as well. Gathering photos from guests gives the bride and groom a chance to see parts of their wedding party they may have missed. And, who knows, one of these candid photos could trump any your photographer happens to take.

5 things 33) Popcorn Bar: Offering a popcorn bar to guests after the formal dinner or dessert is the perfect way to ensure their bellies are full. This simple snack can be amped up by offering varies spices, cheese, and herbs on top. Guests will also not have to worry about destroying their own gowns when nibbling on this snack, for it is essentially stain-free.

4) Ceremony programs with game on back (either suduku puzzles, crossword, etc.): Running a little late on hair and make-up? Can’t find the flower girl? Or worse, the bride? Don’t hesitate to leave your guests waiting a few moments for the ceremony to begin by leaving a fun and easy game on the back of the program! This would not only entertain guests as they anxiously wait in their seats, but it would also be a fun opportunity to share a few fun facts about the bride and groom.

5 things 55) Interactive activities: Activities, such as sketching or even fingerprinting, allow guests to leave a memorable impression to any special event. Yes, guest books allow people to express themselves verbally, but why not give them the chance to artistically do so? Plus, this gives younger children a fun activity to do during the party.

The one, the only … BriDeZilLa!!!

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an event planner's worst nightmare

Anyone who has been in the business long enough has come across one. They are aggressive, intolerant, and possibly lethal. Stress is undoubtedly going to strike any bride at some point during the planning process, but as an event planner, it is necessary to avoid this risk with proper precautions and, if one does arise, to handle the situation with ease. Below are a few suggestions:

  1. Prepare: There is nothing more obvious than someone who is not on top of his or her duties. If you are prepared, your client will feel prepared. Keep an updated schedule and notes on the details of the event. Even if you are having trouble contacting a client, communicate this to your bride so they know you are making genuine efforts to gather information. If your bride begins to feel nervous as the date approaches, offer to e-mail a weekly update to ease her worries.
  2. Delegate: Some demands from the bride or the bride’s mother may be unreasonable. In this case, consider dividing the work to other bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members to help alleviate your own stress. Likewise, this is a great way to get members involved in the process. Try to include a grandmother or aunt that may be able to incorporate a personal experience with the bride to their duty. Overall, the tasks these members accomplish will be noticed the day of the wedding and each will be able to look around with pride at what they contributed.
  3. Posture: Keep a calm and firm posture when meeting with your bride. Even if you are nervous, hide it as best as you can. Confidence is catching, so if you are sure of yourself, your bride will be as well.
  4. Negotiate: If you are unable to meet a bride’s unreasonable demands, offer alternative options. This will most likely occur when a client requests something outside her budget.
  5. Explain: If there are no other options to offer, be sure to explain why you are unable to accomplish the client’s needs. No person can be in two places at once, so it would be unrealistic for you to be checking the progress of the food during the ceremony procession.
  6. Listen: Let your bride vent. It is important that your client feels comfortable speaking with you about their worries and frustrations, otherwise, they may build up over time. Even share your own feelings about a concern. Being a person your client can lean on during the process is crucial, for mother’s can be a weight on any bride’s shoulder.
  7. Distract: Have a jar of dark chocolates on your desk or pocket a few in your purse to give your bride when their stress seems to rise. Studies have shown that eating chocolate can relieve anxiety! And besides, who can deny a Dove candy?
  8. Stand Your Ground: No event planner is going to drive to the next town over the day of the wedding to pick up a last-second guest. Respect yourself and your client will respect you as well. Assure your bride that you love her and will do anything in your power to execute the perfect day, but Tory Burch flip-flops for every guest to dance in are not in your budget. And no, you are unable to hand-make 150 ceremony programs by tomorrow.

Blog Post Inspired by: TheFrisky.com

No Rain on Your Parade!

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you can stand under my umbrella

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This new trend is opening up across the nation. An ironic prop, you may think, but brides and hosts are beginning to include this item at all celebrations.

Utilizing umbrellas as a decoration for your next event may seem strange, but as previous parties have proven, this is far from the case. Not only can umbrellas enhance color to anyone’s event, but they can also be used as props for bridal and/or wedding photos.

Guests will use them too, whether it is to protect them from the hot summer sun or, on the rare case, from the drizzling rain.

Afraid umbrellas may be too bulky? Don’t be! Consider hanging them from the lighting or placing them upside down in a pool! This will refrain them from disturbing guests while still adding an unique flare to your décor.

"In-Corporate" Your Local Downtown

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leave the ballrooms to Cinderella 

Thinking of hosting a unique corporate event? Pull out of the conventional hotel ballroom and consider an intimate venue in your local downtown. Restaurants and low-key bars are ideal spaces for your next corporate event, for they provide a comfortable vibe while remaining professional.

Venues such as these also require little decorating, saving you time and money. After all, who wants to worry about minute details, such as lighting, when organizing an event? For instance, adding music is as easy as connecting an iPod to a dock in most bars and restaurants! These venues also provide the perfect amount of space that encourages guests to interact with one another, apart from the typically situation where guests are subjected to an assigned seat for the entire night.

Venues, such as the Luce Loft in downtown San Diego, can be use for a variety of events, whether it’s a wedding reception, birthday party, band performance, or even a lecture – Luce Loft is sure to transform their space to fit your needs. Scroll over the photos in this post to see how versatile this, and other venues, can really be!

So, when deciding where to host your next corporate, fundraising, or even holiday party, look into your local downtown! The possibilities are endless.

 

"Proper" Bridal Party Photos

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dare to be creative

Don’t be scared to add a little fun to your wedding photos! Adding props, such as sunglasses and bubbles, give a bridal shoot give a youthful flare, while creating special memories between the bridesmaid and/or grooms involved.

Affording these items can be easy, for they are inexpensive to buy and can be easily purchased at the local dollar store, leaving one’s wallet dent-free!

Playful items give the bride and groom a chance to incorporate previous memories, such as inside jokes, into their wedding as well. Other products to consider can range from lollipops, frames, even feather boas! Be conscious to only utilize harmless, clean products that will not harm or damage your make-up, hair, or dress!

The props purchased may also be reused by guests to add fun to photos after the ceremony! So brides and grooms, do not hesitate to bring out the child in you: jump, blow bubbles, and laugh.

Budgeting for the Perfect Wedding Dress

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that will not budget your look

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Found the perfect wedding dress, but cannot find the space in your wallet to buy it? Consider purchasing it used! Brides everywhere are reselling their own wedding dresses for a fraction of the original price. Most dresses posted show barely any wear and look good as new! Websites such as Preownedweddingdresses.com make this process easy, featuring over 20,000 gowns from countless designers, including Vera Wang, in all shapes and sizes, as well as providing viewers an easy means of contacting the seller once they have found your dream dress. Below are a few of their featured dresses:

Recycling old wedding dresses not only saves you money, but also helps the environment as well. Most wedding dresses are worn by the bride for a few hours, sealed in a box, and stored for decades – deprived of ever seeing daylight again. For those who have already worn their dresses, bridesmaids included, why not consider reselling your old dress to make a few extra bucks? Preownedweddingdresses.com also makes it easy for anyone to sell their dress with the low listing price of $25.

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For local San Diego residents,

Recycled Wedding Dre
Recycled Wedding Dre

One local company that can help you resell wedding dresses is Dahlia Bridal. Opened in September 2012, Dahlia Bridal has recycled numerous wedding dresses. Unlike websites that provide similar services, this local shop in Point Loma allows aspiring brides to not only see the condition of the used dresses, but also try them on before purchasing as well.

Dahlia Bridal also posts their current wedding dress stock on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DahliaBridalSD). To purchase a dress, a bride must simply contact Dahlia Bridal to make an appointment. Each appointment is completely private, as they only take one bride at a time! With an average of 150 dresses in the store, Dahlia Bridal offers numerous styles and sizes for all tastes.

Engaging Photos

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you will not want to miss

Engagement photos may seem unnecessary to most newly engaged couples, especially in comparison to the numerous details that creates the perfect day. Engagement photos, however, should not be ignored! Not only can these photos be used as creative décor at your wedding, but they can also be used for your save-the-date cards, wedding website, and ceremony program!

Along with building a relationship with your wedding photographer, engagement photos give couples the opportunity to practice being photographed, ensuring a smoother photo shoot on your wedding day! Be sure to inform your photographer of any angels and/or shots you do not care for, as well as any that you loved.

Favors to "Match" Your Occasion!

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make it seem it was "mint" to be

party favors...

What better way to wrap up your special event with a unique and fun party favor! Party favors are a great way to initially thank guests for attending your event. Favors do not need to be over-the-top extravagant or expensive, just something simple and unique to show you appreciate your guest’s attendance.

Favors are also a great way for companies to exploit themselves. Mugs, such as the ones depicted above, are easy to customize and used daily. Give away nail polishes that match your birthday, bridal shower, or baby shower colors, encouraging your guests to later wear your party colors on your special day!

Tying in various aspects of your event into the favors is easy as well. For instance, honey is commonly used in Persian wedding ceremonies; small mason jars, similar to the ones above, are a great, sweet favor that guests will be able to take and use after the celebration!

What ever the occasion may be, there is always a favor that matches perfectly to your theme. Fill out the advice form if you are in need of ideas!

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Fun! Fun! Fun! That will keep your guests feeling young!

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photo-1 Keep your guests entertained with fun and easy activities that are inexpensive, sentimental, and timeless!

Activities such as the ones depicted above are easy to assemble. Simply paint small different colored squares on a large canvas and lay out a few watercolor sets and pens to give guest the opportunity to artistically express themselves! Other ideas include fingerprinting-signing boards that guests can quickly complete. Writing notes on a ribbon and tying them onto a string is another creative way for guests to write more personal and private messages. Activities such as these are suitable and fun for all ages.

The products of these activities can also be given to the host of the party, serving as a reminder of the special day for years to come. Not to mention, these activities are easily adjusted to fit any party theme – from weddings, baby showers, and even birthday parties!

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